Rise of the Sheep! JocMeister(A) vs. Obvert(J)

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]Fenrir[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

Here is a screen of the situation.

[SBD]

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

[font="Verdana"]10th October 1944[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

Well, the game is on again.

Glad to see you back in action.

[JocMeister]

Thank you! Feels kind of odd doing turns again! [:D]

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]11th October 1944[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

A pretty quiet turn overall.

------------------------
Saipan
------------------------

The 5th USMC goes in with heavy losses despite a 82 prep. I hate the prep system as you are more or less required to have 100 prep or take heavy, heavy losses. It also doesn´t take into account I already have almost 100.000 troops on the island. [:(]

Amphibious Assault at Saipan (108,93)

TF 246 troops unloading over beach at Saipan, 108,93

Allied ground losses:
948 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 197 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 81 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 73 (0 destroyed, 73 disabled)
Vehicles lost 43 (0 destroyed, 43 disabled)

13 troops of a USMC Rifle Squad 44 lost in surf during unload of 5th Marine Div /10

So even with a 82 prep and landing at a well established beachhead the division comes ashore with less than half strenght, 62 Fatigue and 48 Disruption. Sucks. [:(]

------------------------
Mindanao
------------------------
I finally manage to nail some of Eriks transports! [&o] 20 are shot down over Davao. I guess that will put an end to that! [:)]

------------------------
DEI
------------------------
I set up a trap for Erik outside Timor. I dangled a juicy Amphib TF in the area. I´m hoping he will think I go for Timor and send in the big guys. Moonlight is very low and I have a Fletcher TF waiting for him. At the same time 200 P38s will try again and sweep away his LRCAP and 80 Beauforts escorted by 50 Hellcats are ready to strike from Babar. Fingers crossed. See screen for details!

------------------------
Tavoy
------------------------
Erik didn´t take the bait at Tavoy. I´ll try to dangle a nice LST TF in the area and see if I can provoke a reaction. Still no enemy naval presence besides some MTBs.

------------------------
Strategic bombing
------------------------
The first daylight raid of the DEI oil will go in tomorrow! The Miri oilfields will hopefully be burned to the ground!

------------------------
Sub War
------------------------
Another xAK goes down to a Jap sub. I havn´t counted but I think Jap subs have sunk more shipping than allied have now. Will do an exact count to make sure.

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]12th October 1944[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

Another quiet turn.

------------------------
Saipan
------------------------
Erik forgets to turn of the autobombardment triggered when the 5th USMC landed Thank you! [:)] Troops start loading for Guam.

------------------------
DEI
------------------------
Erik didn´t swallow the bait and stays at Lomblen. He is using barges to clear the mines there. Don´t know why? I lose 80 P38s in the sweeps for just 30 Jap fighters. Since Erik didn´t swallow the bait the losses were in vain. I don´t like that.

------------------------
Tavoy
------------------------
Still no intervention. Erik didn´t spot my LST TF moving in I guess that won´t do for a bait. I´m going to move in a fat Cargo TF and see if he does anything.

------------------------
Strategic bombing
------------------------
The daylight raid go in over Miri. 11 Fighters are on CAP. The "overpowered" 350 4Es lose 19 planes after OPs are counted. 14 are lost outright in the air. Yep. 19 lost 4Es to CAP of 11 fighters. And people are bitching about nightbombing? [:D] Oil is now down to zero.

------------------------
Kami activation
------------------------
Will happen very shortly. I can´t put it off any longer as I have stalled for too long.

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]Guam invasion[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

As can be seen in the screenshot my Guam invasion won´t be as heavy as Saipan was. Basically its the same troops that liberated Tinian plus a lot of armor and artillery. Unless a miracle happens and the forts are quite low this one will be a drawn out affair. I hope I can secure Tinian soon to station some bombers to help out. But in all likelihood this will be a slow grind.

The BBs might hang around for one or possible two more than they will have to retire to the WC for R&R. But their priority now that all troops are landed is to suppress Saipan. I need to free those troops on Saipan and start prepping for other invasions.

EDIT: I should add that no AA or CD guns will take part in the invasion. They were prepped so they would be available if the situation demanded.

[DOCUP]

Welcome back.[:'(]

[JocMeister]

Thanks! [:D]

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]12th-13th October 1944[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

Two invasion goes of flawlessly! [&o]

------------------------
Saipan
------------------------
There are some CD guns in place but nothing like Saipan. Troops are onshore in good order. As predicted this will be a tough one. Looks like Guam have been used as a transit point judging by all the fragments. Still no big combat units. Even just 1 ID could have made this impossible! Guam will be secured but it will take time.[:)]

Ground combat at Guam (106,95)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 19024 troops, 288 guns, 34 vehicles, Assault Value = 873

Defending force 46968 troops, 846 guns, 1663 vehicles, Assault Value = 1895

Japanese ground losses:
201 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
12th Ind.Mixed Regiment
1st Indpt SNLF Coy
21st Ind.Mixed Brigade
87th Infantry Brigade
3rd South Seas Gsn
18th Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment
Yokosuka 7th SNLF
49th Ind.Mixed Brigade
47th Naval Guard Unit
63rd Field AA Battalion
47th JNAF AF Unit /2
25th Special Base Force
38th Road Const Co /1
62nd Air Flotilla
8th Area Army
34th Ind. Engr Rgt /1
58th Field AA Battalion
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
8th Base Force /1
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment
2nd JNAF AF Unit
134th AA Regiment
3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion
18th RF Gun Battalion
61st Field AA Battalion
16th Field AF Construction Battalion
4th Fleet
36th Field AA Battalion
3rd Ind.AA Gun Co
59th Field AA Battalion
28th Air Flotilla /2
30th Field Artillery Regiment
17th Naval Const Bn /1
106th JAAF AF Bn /2

Defending units:
762nd Tank Battalion
4th Marine Div /8
710th Tank Battalion
31st Infantry Div /9
716th Tank Battalion
670th Tank Destroyer Battalion
1st USMC Amphb Tank Battalion
XIV Corps Combat Engineer Regiment
193rd Tank Battalion
77th Infantry Div /8
10th USMC Field Artillery Battalion
9th USMC Field Artillery Battalion
Sixth US Army
I Corps Artillery
XIV Corps Artillery
205th Field Artillery Battalion

------------------------
Saipan
------------------------
Erik again forgets to turn of the auto bombardment. I hope this keeps up! [:D]

Ground combat at Saipan (108,93)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 18015 troops, 296 guns, 34 vehicles, Assault Value = 548

Defending force 66433 troops, 1146 guns, 1528 vehicles, Assault Value = 1747

Japanese ground losses:
311 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 13 (3 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Another deliberate attack ordered tomorrow.

------------------------
Timor
------------------------
Well, if Erik doesn´t want to swallow the bait I´ll just have to land then!

Ground combat at Lautem (72,115)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3379 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 190

Defending force 13859 troops, 140 guns, 456 vehicles, Assault Value = 621

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment
124th Infantry Regiment
9th Field AF Construction Battalion
65th JNAF AF Unit

Defending units:
1st Army Tank Regiment
2/5th Armoured Regiment
2/6th Armoured Regiment
7th Australian Division
I Australian Corps

This base will be captured quickly. If needed I have two more IDs prepped at Darwin. Erik did finally respond on the 13th but all shipping had already been withdrawn. Moonlight is down to 7%. Sent in a Fletcher TF tomorrow to see if I can catch anything. Again Erik is a step too late. I like that! [&o]

------------------------
Tavoy
------------------------
Still no intervention. I can´t provoke a reaction from Erik. Thats a bit annoying as I don´t want to order a air assault at Bangkok with 500 fighters on CAP. I´m not at the point yet where I feel it will justify the cost. So I´ll wait for now. Tavoy gets stronger every second. Radar is now in place and we are expanding the bridgehead. Eriks superstack is still in place. Looks like Erik brought up a small DD force to Victoria point. Nothing we can´t handle.

------------------------
Mindanao
------------------------
San Jose invasion will go in tomorrow. This will trigger the Kamis but it can´t be helped. They are covered by 100 P47s. I don´t expect intervention but a CL force is covering the invasion as well.

------------------------
Babeldaob
------------------------
Erik has been a bit lax with his naval search. I managed to get 2 CA TFs within bombardment range of Babeldaob. Erik has 180 fighters here and I´m guessing with the 36 units here its part of his air transport system. The two bombardments will be followed up lots of Corsair sweeps followed by the heavies. Hopefully in that order!

[JocMeister]

EDIT: Double post

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]Babeldaob[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

Here is the plan for tomorrow!

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]Luzon[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

Here is a map of what is planned short term. Long term planning map coming within the week.

[RogerJNeilson]

That looks pretty tasty!

Roger

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]Tavoy[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

Here is the current situation.

[Speedysteve]

Welcome back Jocke [:)]

[JocMeister]

Thanks! [:)]

[catwhoorg]

Indeed. Glad to see it going again

*resumes lurking of both AARs*

[seille]

a question, JocMeister [:)]

What fighters were used by Obvert in the fight over Lomblen with the massive sweep losses ?

I would be very interested in this combat report for the Lomblen attack. If you don´t like to post
it here i would be glad to get a PM or Mail. Many thanks !

[JocMeister]

ORIGINAL: seille

a question, JocMeister [:)]

What fighters were used by Obvert in the fight over Lomblen with the massive sweep losses ?

I would be very interested in this combat report for the Lomblen attack. If you don´t like to post
it here i would be glad to get a PM or Mail. Many thanks !

Hey,

No problem at all. Here it is! [:)]

I think there are a couple of reasons for the poor result.

- I´m intentionally putting "green" pilots in the P38. (EXP 50, Air 70, DEF 70)
- Almost max range.
- Erik got really good detection times so his CAP was probably able to climb above the sweep getting the almighty dive on my P38s.
- Numerical advantage

In a few days 100 Corsairs will sweep. Results will be very different. [:D]

Afternoon Air attack on Lomblen , at 68,113

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M5 Jack x 15
N1K2-J George x 32
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 17
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 9
Ki-84a Frank x 52

Allied aircraft
P-38H Lightning x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38H Lightning: 3 destroyed

CAP engaged:
256 Ku S-1 with J2M5 Jack (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 7 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 31000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
S-306 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 20 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 28000 and 35300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
9th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
24th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 28000 and 34440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
25th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 20 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 29000 and 34440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
25th I.F.Chutai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (6 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lomblen , at 68,113

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M5 Jack x 15
N1K2-J George x 30
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 10
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 8
Ki-84a Frank x 51

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIc Tojo: 2 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
256 Ku S-1 with J2M5 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 27890 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
S-306 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 15 scrambling)
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
9th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
24th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
25th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 34440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
25th I.F.Chutai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lomblen , at 68,113

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 31,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M5 Jack x 15
N1K2-J George x 30
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 5
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 6
Ki-84a Frank x 43

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x P-38J Lightning sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
256 Ku S-1 with J2M5 Jack (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 30890 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
S-306 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
24th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 30270 and 34440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
25th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 3 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
25th I.F.Chutai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
9th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lomblen , at 68,113

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M5 Jack x 13
N1K2-J George x 23
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 5
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 5
Ki-84a Frank x 37

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38J Lightning: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x P-38J Lightning sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
256 Ku S-1 with J2M5 Jack (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 30890 and 39000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
S-306 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
16 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 29000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
24th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 30000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
25th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
10 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 16000 and 39000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
25th I.F.Chutai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
9th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 32000 and 38000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lomblen , at 68,113

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 25 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M5 Jack x 9
N1K2-J George x 17
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 5
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 4
Ki-84a Frank x 27

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M5 Jack: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38L Lightning: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
256 Ku S-1 with J2M5 Jack (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 33800 and 38440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
S-306 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 31000 and 39440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
24th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 30270 and 36440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
25th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 30000 and 38440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
25th I.F.Chutai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 32000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
9th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 33000 and 36440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Lomblen , at 68,113

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M5 Jack x 7
N1K2-J George x 16
Ki-44-IIc Tojo x 5
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 4
Ki-84a Frank x 23

Allied aircraft
P-38L Lightning x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38L Lightning: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x P-38L Lightning sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
256 Ku S-1 with J2M5 Jack (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 33000 and 34000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
S-306 Hikotai with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 27000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
25th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 30000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
25th I.F.Chutai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 32000 and 35200.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
9th Sentai with Ki-44-IIc Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 34000 and 36440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
24th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 31710 and 34440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[JocMeister]

[font="Verdana"]14th-15th October 1944[/font]
______________________________________________________________________________

Not often do things go as planned...But this time they do! The 15th was a very good day for the allies! [&o]

A word of warning. Long post!

------------------------
Badelbaob
------------------------

The two bombardments go in just as planned.

Night Naval bombardment of Babeldaob at 90,97

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
J2M3 Jack: 35 damaged
J2M3 Jack: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K2-J George: 90 damaged
N1K2-J George: 20 destroyed on ground
Ki-56 Thalia: 66 damaged
Ki-56 Thalia: 6 destroyed on ground
L2D2 Tabby: 40 damaged
L2D2 Tabby: 12 destroyed on ground
H8K2 Emily: 93 damaged
H8K2 Emily: 13 destroyed on ground
Ki-57-I Topsy: 9 damaged
Ki-57-I Topsy: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 31 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 6 destroyed on ground
Ki-57-II Topsy: 1 damaged
Ki-57-II Topsy: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
CA Sleipner
CA Canberra II
CA Boston

Japanese ground losses:
136 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled

Airbase hits 38
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 91

OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for CA Sleipner
CA Sleipner firing at Babeldaob
CA Canberra II firing at Babeldaob
CA Boston firing at Babeldaob

Night Naval bombardment of Babeldaob at 90,97 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
L2D2 Tabby: 20 damaged
L2D2 Tabby: 6 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 32 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 5 destroyed on ground
N1K2-J George: 95 damaged
N1K2-J George: 16 destroyed on ground
Ki-56 Thalia: 32 damaged
Ki-56 Thalia: 10 destroyed on ground
J2M3 Jack: 53 damaged
J2M3 Jack: 9 destroyed on ground
H8K2 Emily: 28 damaged
H8K2 Emily: 5 destroyed on ground
Ki-57-I Topsy: 3 damaged
Ki-57-I Topsy: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-57-II Topsy: 5 damaged
Ki-57-II Topsy: 2 destroyed on ground

6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Wichita
CA Minneapolis
CA Chicago
CA Chester
CL Helena
CL St. Louis

Japanese ground losses:
179 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Airbase hits 23
Airbase supply hits 10
Runway hits 32
Port hits 1

CA Wichita firing at Babeldaob
CA Minneapolis firing at Babeldaob
CA Chicago firing at Babeldaob
CA Chester firing at Babeldoap Naval Fortress
Babeldoap Naval Fortress firing at CA Chester
CL Helena firing at Babeldaob
CL St. Louis firing at Babeldaob

Turns out the sweeps wern´t necessary as no CAP took to the air during the day! After the naval bombardment the air bombardment goes in!

Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 7
B-17E Fortress x 3
B-24D Liberator x 9
B-24D1 Liberator x 11
B-24J Liberator x 34
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-56 Thalia: 2 destroyed on ground
J2M3 Jack: 3 destroyed on ground
N1K2-J George: 7 destroyed on ground
L2D2 Tabby: 1 destroyed on ground
H8K2 Emily: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-57-II Topsy: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 5 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged
PB4Y-1 Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 37

This is followed by wave after wave of bombers. When the dust settles 249 Japanese planes are reported to have been destroyed on the runways! A good day! [:)]

------------------------
Marianas
------------------------
I had ordered attack on both Saipan and Guam. I was quite worried about both of them but they went as good as could be expected! [:)]

Ground combat at Saipan (108,93)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 48344 troops, 1063 guns, 1046 vehicles, Assault Value = 1784

Defending force 29909 troops, 389 guns, 355 vehicles, Assault Value = 540

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Allied adjusted assault: 2456

Japanese adjusted defense: 1521

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 3) [&o][&o][&o]

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 3 [&o][&o][&o]

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1937 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 122 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 63 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 32 disabled
Guns lost 96 (11 destroyed, 85 disabled)
Vehicles lost 21 (4 destroyed, 17 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1326 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 146 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 40 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 20 disabled
Guns lost 33 (4 destroyed, 29 disabled)
Vehicles lost 43 (2 destroyed, 41 disabled)

So for the first time we achieve a solid 1:1 and cause more casualties than we suffer. If earlier events are an indication the situation will deteriorate quickly for the Japanese from now on. Good news! [:)]

At Guam the situation looks quietly optimistic!

Ground combat at Guam (106,95)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 44652 troops, 849 guns, 1479 vehicles, Assault Value = 1900

Defending force 32199 troops, 486 guns, 267 vehicles, Assault Value = 866

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 5 [&o][&o][&o]

Allied adjusted assault: 748

Japanese adjusted defense: 4247

Allied assault odds: 1 to 5 (fort level 5)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
2735 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 214 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 55 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 40 disabled
Guns lost 105 (15 destroyed, 90 disabled)
Vehicles lost 51 (14 destroyed, 37 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
1209 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 124 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 88 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 78 disabled
Guns lost 73 (2 destroyed, 71 disabled)
Vehicles lost 208 (32 destroyed, 176 disabled) <-- Ouch. First time I lose a Sherman in battle!

Assaulting units:
716th Tank Battalion
762nd Tank Battalion
1st USMC Amphb Tank Battalion
77th Infantry Division
31st Infantry Division
XIV Corps Combat Engineer Regiment
710th Tank Battalion
193rd Tank Battalion
4th Marine Division
670th Tank Destroyer Battalion
9th USMC Field Artillery Battalion
Sixth US Army
I Corps Artillery
XIV Corps Artillery
10th USMC Field Artillery Battalion
205th Field Artillery Battalion

Defending units:
21st Ind.Mixed Brigade
49th Ind.Mixed Brigade
12th Ind.Mixed Regiment
3rd South Seas Gsn
Yokosuka 7th SNLF
23rd Tank Regiment
87th Infantry Brigade
1st Indpt SNLF Coy
18th Tank Regiment
47th Naval Guard Unit
61st Field AA Battalion
8th Base Force /1
30th Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Ind.AA Gun Co
18th RF Gun Battalion
17th Naval Const Bn /1
38th Road Const Co /1
28th Air Flotilla /2
25th Special Base Force
47th JNAF AF Unit /2
3rd Naval Construction Battalion
2nd JNAF AF Unit
4th Fleet
16th Field AF Construction Battalion
62nd Air Flotilla
59th Field AA Battalion
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment
36th Field AA Battalion
63rd Field AA Battalion
58th Field AA Battalion
134th AA Regiment
34th Ind. Engr Rgt /1
3rd IJN Special Coastal Gun Battalion
8th Area Army
106th JAAF AF Bn /2

Tanks save the day here. I´ll rest for a few days before having another go. But dropping the forts in the first try has to be considered a success! I´m happy! [:)]

------------------------
DEI
------------------------
After two days of fighting we secure Lautem! No Japanese intervention at all. Very strange.

Ground combat at Lautem (72,115)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12164 troops, 140 guns, 425 vehicles, Assault Value = 600

Defending force 4762 troops, 45 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 118

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Allied adjusted assault: 546

Japanese adjusted defense: 113

Allied assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 1)

Allied forces CAPTURE Lautem !!! [&o][&o][&o]

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1731 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 60 disabled
Non Combat: 96 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 51 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 16 (14 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 47 (47 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 4

Allied ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Reinforcements and BFs are already loading at Darwin. But first I have to deal with his LRCAP. Tomorrow a big USMC sweep will go in over Lomblem. I have high expectations from this sweep. I hope not only to decimate Erik fighters but also to deal a moral blow after the P38 sweeps. Once his LRCAP is dealt with he will have to withdraw his naval forces from the area. He knows I have over 100 Beauforts in the area.

--------------------------------
Philippines archipelago
--------------------------------
San Jose is secured with almost no opposition. This activated the Kamikazes and it will be interesting to see how much impact they will have. Hopefully the changes in the BETA has taken the edge of them. Assuming here they are treated as bombers by the code and thus are subject to the change in coordination?

I split the division and head for the other 2 bases on the small island. I will have a few more weeks to build up bases before the main show starts.

Another USMC sweep is ordered in the area. This is mostly just a show of force and to try and deal a moral blow.

--------------------------------
Tavoy
--------------------------------
Not much happening. I closed the AF at Murgui. Erik had a CAP up that was smacked around by my P51 sweep. About 8:1 in our favor. [:)]

--------------------------------
Manado
--------------------------------
Finally reaches level 9. The B29 will rebase here shortly to start working over Soerabaja and other bases. First the B29s have a special mission to do... [:'(]

Here is a screen showing the success of the Badelbaob mission! [:)][&o]